The December Challenge

Well here we are, the last challenge of 2013! We hope you've enjoyed the challenges we've set throughout the year, whether you've taken part or just admired all the amazing entries. This month we'd like you to create something in Black, White and another colour of your choice!

*** Please make sure that you read through challenge guidelines below as we've made a couple of important changes ***

Images by Anna Anjos and Doug Wheller

We're allowing crystal/clear beads this month but please make sure that you also have white beads included in your entry for it to be eligible. And don't forget that you can use multiple shades of your third colour. Beads with AB/rainbow or Picasso finishes are allowed but due to the fabulous prizes on offer each month we’re pretty strict on the colours allowed, so no colours other than those specified please! *If you are using a cabochon or other focal bead in your design it can have small amounts of other colours in it, provided that the main colours of it fit our challenge. But the beads you use with it must be in our challenge colours only.

No twist this month!

How do I enter?

Simply email your photograph(s) to Liz at ottbs@live.com

*** Please note that we are no longer accepting entries via Flickr *** We're happy for you to post your photos on our Facebook group as well but please make sure that you've also emailed your entry. Entries that have not been emailed will not be accepted. By submitting your entry via email you are giving the admin of Operation Tackle That Bead Stash permission to share your email address with the sponsor should you be the lucky winner. We take your privacy very seriously and will not share your email address with anyone else.

What can I make?

Anything as long as it involves beads! Any technique is accepted, from beadweaving and stringing to wire work and bead embroidery. Lampworkers and polymer clay artists are also welcome to submit beads they've made. We're sorry but any entries that do not include beads in some form or another will not be accepted. Your entry must be made especially for the challenge, please do not submit something that was made before December 1st 2013.

Does it have to be my own design?

No. We're happy for you to make something using a pattern from a book, magazine or tutorial but if you do please let us know the designer's name so that we can give them credit.

What about findings?

Findings (clasps, earwires, metal spacer beads etc) are exempt from the colour challenge so you can use silver, gold or any other colour findings that fit in with your project.

When is the deadline for entries?

The deadline is MIDNIGHT on Tuesday the 31st of December. The challenge winner will be announced the following day.

Can I enter more than once?

You can make as many pieces as you like using the chosen colour way. All entries will be shown here on the blog but you will only be entered into the draw once.

I'm not in the UK, can I still join in?

Yes of course! We welcome submissions from around the world so don't worry if you're not in the UK. Our sponsors have agreed to post prizes overseas so you can still enter and be eligible for the prize!

Any other questions?

If you have any questions about the challenge please feel free to email Liz at ottbs@live.com

The Prize

This month our sponsor is Rachel and she's offering one lucky winner £15 to spend in her online shop RB Beads!

The winner will be drawn by Liz on the 1st of January using the random list generator at www.random.org and announced the same day.

Good luck everyone and happy beading!